Poseidon sets desalination sights on H.B.

Poseidon is turning its focus to Huntington Beach.

With the completion of financing issues for its Carlsbad Desalination Project, Poseidon Resources will focus on obtaining the final permit necessary from the California Coastal Commission to bring a desalination plant to Huntington Beach, according to a company news release.

The Poseidon plant is expected to convert seawater into drinkable water to provide a steady supply for Orange County.

According to a previous Independent story, the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board in February renewed a five-year permit allowing the Poseidon plant to draw in water from neighboring AES power plant's pipes as well as directly from the ocean.

The plant would aim to produce 50 million gallons of drinkable water a day for Orange County.

Brian Lochrie, a spokesman for the Connecticut-based company, said at the time that Huntington Beach would have a special agreement to buy its first 3,300 acre-foot of water at 5% less than the cost of imported water. An acre-foot of water would supply a family of four for about a year.

According to the February story, Orange County Coastkeeper, Surfrider Foundation and Residents for Responsible Desalination are among those who have fought Poseidon's plans in recent years. Opponents have said the plant will prove costly to taxpayers and harmful to marine life.

Lochrie said at the time that if approved by the Coastal Commission, the project would likely be completed by 2017.